WOULD YOU TAKE A LIE DETECTOR TEST WITH A STRANGER?

A working polygraph test for a room full of strangers to explore truth in a post-truth world. Our multi-award winning theatrical social experiment has been touring since 2019…

Using real biometric sensors and live voting systems, TRUTHMACHINE seeks out truth in a world of fake news and alternative facts. The polygraph machine used to be regarded as a legal instrument, but today we think we can cheat. Let’s see if your heart rate can lie as effectively as our leaders can.

"It's a beguiling game to play in an age of alternative facts and fake news, and another demonstration of Counterpilot’s ingenuity.
No one else is making work quite like this."
- The Age

"A truly atmospheric experience"
- This is Radelaide

"The technology is state of the art"
- Broadway World

"a fascinating, enthralling experience"
- The Creative Issue

"will leave you thinking long after it finishes”
- The Courier Mail

Written & Directed by Nathan Sibthorpe
Sound Design by Mike Willmett
Software Design by Clinton Freeman
Technical Design by John Felmingham & Christine Felmingham
Production Design by Sarah Winter
Originally Performed by Paige Poulier
Also Performed by Anna McGahan, Nicky Fearn, Emily Carr, Brie Jurss
Voices by Lucas Stibbard, Kylie Stephenson,
Kate O'Sullivan & Paul Davies

Additional Collaborators: Toby Martin, Sean Dowling
Imagery by Sean Dowling & Kate O'Sullivan
Original Photo Model: Xanthe Jones

Produced by Metro Arts

Special thanks to
Matt Seery, Jo Thomas, Shani Gould,
Verity Woodford & Danielle Carney

Adelaide Fringe
19 FEB - 3 MAR 2019
Adelaide, SA

Horizon Festival
26 & 27 AUG 2019
Caloundra, QLD

Brisbane Festival
10 - 21 SEP 2019
Brisbane, QLD

Melbourne Fringe
22 - 29 SEP 2019
Melbourne, VIC

Sydney Festival
11 - 24 JAN 2020
Sydney, NSW

Darwin Festival
12-15 AUG 2021
Darwin, NT

The Outside
2-31 MAY 2022
Hunter Valley, NSW

Cairns Festival
1-4 SEP 2022
Cairns, QLD

Festival of Dangerous Ideas
17-18 SEP 2022
Sydney, NSW

World Science Festival
24-25 MAR 2023
Brisbane, QLD

State of Play, Fringe World
19 JAN - 4 FEB 2024
Perth, WA

Winterfest
23 - 24 JUL 2025
University of Melbourne, VIC

Best Film, Digital & Interactive Work
Adelaide Fringe Award 2019

Hong Kong Tour Ready Award
Let's Be Together Arts Festival 2019

Melbourne Tour Ready Award
Melbourne Fringe 2019

Adelaide Fringe Innovation Grant
Adelaide Fringe Artists Fund 2019

TRUTHMACHINE is available to tour nationally and internationally.
Best suited for festivals, 30min duration for intimate audiences of 12 at a time.
Light touring team, all tech included, can fit into a range of unconventional spaces.

For more information, or to obtain a presenter pack,
please contact us.

Originally co-presented with RCC Fringe. Truthmachine is supported by the Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund
via the Adelaide Fringe Innovation Grant, and through the Queensland Government
through Arts Queensland.